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Cursor

Also called Cursor IDE

What is Cursor?

Cursor is an AI-first code editor built as a fork of VS Code, known for codebase-aware chat, inline edits and an agent mode that works across files.

An AI-first code editor built as a fork of VS Code, famous for pioneering deep codebase understanding and real-time inline AI code generation.

Cursor is an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) that embeds AI natively into the coding experience. It features "Composer" for multi-file generation, deep repository indexing so the AI understands your entire codebase, and seamless inline autocomplete that predicts multi-line edits.

How it relates to Orbit

Orbit can connect Cursor to project context through MCP and use it with an Orbit project. See What is Orbit for details.

When you would use it

You use Cursor when you want your primary daily code editor to have the most fluid, tightly integrated AI assistance available, operating right where you type.

Common operations

  • Auto-completing complex boilerplate logic instantly while typing.
  • Using Ctrl+K (or Cmd+K) to generate or refactor code in-line using natural language.
  • Chatting with the entire codebase to understand legacy architecture.

Frequently asked questions

Is Cursor a replacement for VS Code?

It is a fork of VS Code, so extensions, settings and keybindings carry over, with AI features built into the editor itself.

Can Cursor connect to Orbit?

Yes. Cursor is an MCP client, and Orbit’s onboarding includes a setup guide for connecting Cursor to Orbit’s MCP server. See Connect a Coding Agent.

Related terms

Where this is taught